FAQ’s for Chinese Medicine

What is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine is a multitude of medical modalities used to create homeostasis in the body. Some of the modalities that we use are acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, herbal formulations, Gua Sha, Qi Gong, manual therapy, food therapy and injection therapy. Each modality is used according the individual diagnosis.

 

How does it work?

The body is connected with a network of channels that are connected to the internal organs. These channels can be accessed through the different modalities of Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, Gua Sha and manual therapy are utilizing the acupuncture points on the channels to gain access to the internal body as well having immediate access to the external body; whereas herbal formulas, food therapy, injection therapy and Qi Gong will be working directly with the internal body.

 

Does acupuncture hurt?

Overall acupuncture does not hurt. There are areas of the body that can be more sensitive than others. You will get some kind of sensation once the needle is in. Everybody’s sensation is different, but you will know once the channel has been accessed.

 

What should I expect on my first visit?

Your first visit will normally last between one to two hours depending on each individual case. The first visit we will be asking many questions that will help us to decide what kind of treatment we will do to get the best results for you. The treatment itself may be just acupuncture or it could be a combination of other modalities. We will explain what we are doing to help you understand the reason for the treatment and how it will help your body.

 

How many treatments will I need?

The total amounts of treatments depends on a few factors; such as what type of problem is presented, how long has the problem been present, what is the constitution of the individual with the problem, what is the lifestyle of the person. These are some of the factors that will part of the determining factor for the amounts of treatments. Acute problems may be treated with as little as one treatment, whereas chronic issues may take months.

 

Are there side effects to acupuncture treatments?

It is rare to have any negative side effects to an acupuncture treatment. The rare side effects normally happen from a person who has not eaten before the treatment. Acupuncture uses energy of the body and food is one of the sources of energy for the body. If the body does not have the energy to be manipulated then the patient can become nauseous, light headed, sweating, dizziness and possible feinting. If it does happen it happens within the first few minutes after placing needles. It is easily remedied with the removal of the needles immediately.

 

Is Chinese medicine safe for children?

Yes. Depending on the age and symptoms of the child there are multiple modalities that can be used to treat the child. If acupuncture is used. It is normally for a very short period of time, since their body reacts much more quickly to healing than adults.